Francis Duffy Watson

He was born in Lafayette, IN on March 19th, 1931, to Francis Duffy Watson and Frances E. Watson.

His friends and family knew him as Duff Watson. Always good natured, always ready with a story, always full of what would be later dubbed "Duffisms".

He is survived by his lovely, dedicated wife of 68 years Tillie. Duff and Tillie both attended Jefferson High School in Lafayette, Indiana. They began their courtship after graduation. They married October of 1953 and struck on out on their cross-country honeymoon to arrive in San Diego, CA for Duff's naval commitment. After completing his service, he rejoined his lovely bride and young family. At which point, Duff continued his college career at the University of Notre Dame where he lived on campus married housing caringly given the name of "Vetville" for all the married students with young families returning under the GI bill and Notre Dame's commitment to the military. During their stay at Notre Dame, they met many lifelong friends who shared the same bonds of faith and family.

Duff worked in industries sales throughout the years. He began that adventure in South Bend, Indiana with stops along the way in Illinois, and Michigan. The Watson's ventured to California in 1978 as Duff took a role as district manager for at the time what was known as Ermanco, Inc.

Duff began Sierra Conveyor Co Inc., in 1980 his son Dan joined his endeavors in 1983 and daughter Marjorie in 1990. Based on Duff's initial leadership and ambition, the company still thrives today with loyal, dedicated team.

Always one to help the charity. Duff completed over 13 years working at Loaves and Fishes serving up the lunch time meals. He took immense pride in this commitment and has been a long-time benefactor to their programs.

Duff humble in nature would not take any credit for his achievements with first complimenting his wife, Tillie who he credited as raising wonderful children and assisting in his business endeavors.

Duff was preceded in death by his parents; his four sisters; Mary Anne; Nancy; Ellen; Martha and his two brothers; Edward and Bill and his son-in-law Mark Etchason.

In addition to his cherished wife Tillie, Duff is survived by his seven children: Sally (Keith); Dan (Stephanie); Brigid (George); Maureen (Ted); Marjorie; Nancy; Duff III. He is also survived by his ten grandchildren: Andy (Jessica); Greg (Emily); Kristin (Jonny); Brian; Mark (Stephanie); Lauren (Duane); John; Mary Anne; Duff IV; and Lucy. Given his longevity he is also survived by his twelve and counting great grandchildren who he was getting to know and love.

He also held the title of fun Uncle Duff to numerous nieces and nephews and was a solid brother-in-law throughout the years and enjoyed the conversation with Tillie's remaining brother's Pat, Larry, and Tom.

In addition to relatives and numerous friends, the family thanks all the St. Rose friends and the extended church community for the prayers for peace and shared vision of life everlasting.

Anyone who knew Duff now as a grand addition to their Community of Saints.

In Lieu of flowers the family requests that donations may be made to:

Donations can be made by mail to:

Sacramento Loaves and Fishes

PO Box 13495

Sacramento, CA 95813

or through their website:

www.sacloaves.org

or to the Saint Rose Parish 615 Vine Avenue

Roseville, CA 95678